We would all kick back on this patio after consuming a wonderfully delicious, huge meal prepared by my mother and grandmother. I would watch in amazement as the men would leisurely light up their cigars and blow smoke rings into the beautiful, balmy summer evenings of L.A. I would turn on the radio, and we would all listen to the magical, mesmerizing voice of Vin Scully calling another Dodger baseball game, as only he could. I remember my grandfather would let me take an occasional puff or two of his cigar (and I liked it!) as he, my dad and my uncle Herman would talk about the great enjoyment of lighting up a great tasting, sweet smelling cigar after a super meal.

Even as a part-time cigar lover, I appreciate that we have a magazine now such as yours to look forward to.

Many thanks!

Scott Roeb
Los Angeles, California

* * *

Dear Marvin:

The most recent CIGAR AFICIONADO (Vol. 1, No. 3) came in handy on my way to Houston Intercontinental Airport last week, to catch a plane for Lisbon, Portugal. The listing of a cigar friendly restaurant in Lisbon on page 122 caught my eye; and since my business in Lisbon did not start for a few days, I decided to treat myself. When I arrived, I asked the staff at the Hotel da Lapa to make a reservation for me to dine at Tagide [Largo da Academia].

After a wonderful dinner I finished off the evening as a CIGAR AFICIONADO reader should, with a cigar. I smoked one of my own Hoyo de Monterrey Sultans (I brought along several types, not knowing what to expect). This big, 54 ring gauge cigar was precisely right for the size and spice of the meal. I smoked without reprimand or bother while enjoying several glasses of Port .... Well, what did you expect?

Yes, smoking is allowed in the dining room. Yes, my cigar was even encouraged. Yes, I would go to Tagide again in a minute, but I wouldn't have known about it if CIGAR AFICIONADO hadn't listed it.

Thank you, friends, very much.

Richard Laurence Baron
Houston, Texas

* * *

Dear Marvin:

I am a pianist and have been performing professionally 23 of my 34 years. I subscribe to three magazines: Air & Space Smithsonian, The Piano Stylist and CIGAR AFICIONADO. I am a charter subscriber, and yours is the only magazine I have ever read cover to cover. My next recording project will be in the mail for you and your staff to enjoy because every time I look down at the keys of my piano, I see 36 maduro coronas on a field of white.

Matthew Quinn
Newport, Rhode Island

* * *

Dear Marvin:

I'd like to tell you a short story regarding my cigar smoking. My wife says that the smell of cigars makes her physically sick. Well, this presented quite a problem for me, so we have compromised. After a cigar I must brush my teeth, take a shower, brush my teeth again and use mint mouthwash. I have been doing this procedure for over a year, but she still complains. As the old saying goes, "Maybe it's time to change wives." (I am KIDDING--hopefully this will not end our relationship!)

John E. Ready
Burlingame, California

* * *

Dear Marvin:

Purchasing the premier issue of CIGAR AFICIONADO brought a smile to my face for it brings back fond memories of when I was a child growing up back in the old country (Portugal) and my father, after a long day's work fishing, used to come home and pour himself a healthy-sized cup of Port and then light up one of his strong-smelling cigars. I could see that this made him happy and I always wanted to join him in smoking, but I was only nine years old at the time, obviously too young to smoke. But my father was a very generous man and allowed me to take sips of the Port wine. When doing so, I remember he used to pat me on the shoulder, making me feel as much as man as he was.

It almost brings tears to my eyes writing this down and remembering those good old days of youth.

Thank you for bringing that special moment back into my life.

Fernando Carreiro
Vancouver, British Columbia

* * *

Dear Marvin:

Ever since I purchased your fine publication and placed it on my college dormitory coffee table, I've been the toast of the building. Friends wander into the room and eagerly peruse the pages of this beautiful quarterly. The pleasure of gaining insight from fellow cigar aficionados falls just short of indulging oneself in an evening of fine cigar smoking.

On many a weekend night, fine cigars have broken through the stuffy academic atmosphere and brought friends closer together here in rural Minnesota. Thank you for your commitment to promoting this noble pastime.

Nels C. Elde
Carleton College
Northfield, Minnesota

* * *

Dear Marvin:

This evening, while enjoying a Mario Palomino Royal Corona and my second issue of CIGAR AFICIONADO, I decided to write a letter to introduce my fellow cigar lovers to a relatively large, but hidden, portion of our population who enjoy a good cigar. I also felt that the irony of my current position might provide a few wry chuckles for some of your readers. So without further ado, on with the tale....

The segment of the population I refer to is the officer corps of our nation's military, in particular, the U.S. Marine Corps. I am currently serving as a Captain in our nation's corps, and from my experience, almost 10 percent of my fellow Marine officers enjoy a good cigar on a regular basis.

Throughout my career, I have encountered a large number of my fellow officers with whom I could enjoy a good smoke. In fact, cigars play an important role in one of the oldest traditions of the Corps. At the conclusion of a mess night (a formal dinner for all of the officers in a command), cigars and Port are passed as the fitting conclusion to a night of fellowship and camaraderie. Perhaps it is the inherently dangerous nature of our chosen profession that causes us to truly appreciate the finer things in life, including fine cigars.

Dear Marvin - Regarding the letter from Peter Worsham in the August issue, I lived in Havana from 1997 until 2000 as a member of the U.S. Interests Section. The GOOD cigars are indeed heavily controlled and expensive no matter where you buy them including Cuba. That said there was always counterfeit/seconds cigars to be had on the black market, but so easily available that the Cuban government had to be aware or complicit in their production and sale. In the end, although not top of the line cigars it was Cuban tobacco which I think is the best in the world.
Changing the subject, I just returned from a car trip to Eastern North Carolina and was surprised to see farm fields of growing tobacco. These same fields use to grow soy beans, cotton, and corn, while the owners were being paid NOT to grow tobacco. Can anyone tell me what has happened? Chinese demand? Domestic demand? Other?
Thanks for the fine magazine.